Barcelona Target Van de Ven as Spurs Hold Firm

The summer market has not yet caught fire, but the big clubs are already moving their pieces. One of the most coveted is Micky van de Ven.

Sky Sports report that Barcelona are among several clubs tracking the Dutch centre-half’s situation at Tottenham. Van de Ven has held talks over a new deal with Spurs, with just two years left on his current contract, but nothing is signed.

Tottenham, under Roberto De Zerbi, are in no mood to lose him. The Italian has already called the 25-year-old one of the best central defenders in the Premier League. That kind of endorsement, from that kind of coach, only sharpens the interest elsewhere.

Greenwood back on Premier League radar

Mason Greenwood’s name is back in English conversations. L’Equipe claim Arsenal and Tottenham are both exploring a move for the forward, who left Manchester United for Marseille in 2024.

Marseille need sales to ease Financial Fair Play pressure. That reality meets opportunity from July 1, when a release clause of around £52m kicks into Greenwood’s contract, despite the club valuing him closer to £69m.

For a 24-year-old with proven top-flight talent, that price could tempt a Premier League bid.

Calafiori too rich for Real Madrid

Riccardo Calafiori’s rise has not gone unnoticed. After a title-winning season with Arsenal, Real Madrid were among the clubs eyeing the Italian defender.

Yet Andrea Berta’s £86m valuation looks like a brick wall. Madrid have already paid £52m for Marc Cucurella and have a £78m offer on the table for Ruben Dias. Dropping another huge fee on Calafiori this summer feels a stretch, even for them.

United ready to talk to Shaw – on their terms

Manchester United, meanwhile, are ready to reward Luke Shaw with a new deal – but not at any price. Reports suggest the club are willing to offer the 30-year-old a fresh contract on reduced wages compared to his current terms.

Shaw, who joined United from Southampton in 2014, last extended his stay at Old Trafford in 2023. Out of contract next summer, his situation is one of several United must resolve as they reshape the squad.

Maguire hails Anderson in Rice bracket

Inside the England camp, one name is echoing loudly: Elliot Anderson.

Valued at around £130m, Anderson has already forced his way into the conversation alongside Declan Rice. The pair shone together in England’s World Cup win over Croatia, and Harry Maguire has not hidden his admiration.

United have stepped away from a move for Anderson, put off by the scale of the fee. Maguire, though, has spoken publicly about how the midfielder impressed him in training, highlighting his ability on the ball, his drive, his eye for goal and his versatility across the No 6, 8 and 10 roles.

For a player whose price tag already sits in elite territory, that kind of praise only fuels the hype.

Arsenal eye Bartishvili – and still dream big

Arsenal’s recruitment net stretches wide. Georgia Under-21 international Andria Bartishvili is the latest name linked, with BBC Sport reporting the Gunners want to tie up a pre-contract for the teenager before his deal expires at the end of the year.

At 17, Bartishvili has already drawn comparisons with his countryman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Arsenal have been linked with Kvaratskhelia himself, but with the winger settled at PSG, the London club may have to content themselves with the next Georgian prodigy instead of the finished article.

Real Madrid not done yet

Real Madrid’s rebuild continues to grow new branches. According to ESPN, they remain keen on Enzo Fernandez, still captivated by the Argentine’s performances since his World Cup triumph with Argentina while at Benfica.

Enzo is high on their list, but not the only priority. Madrid want another central defender, even after sealing deals for Ibrahima Konate and Marc Cucurella. The spine of the European champions is being reinforced piece by piece.

Olmo warns Cucurella: Yamal is waiting

Marc Cucurella’s move from Chelsea to Real Madrid raised eyebrows in Spain, and not just among fans. His Spain team-mate Dani Olmo admitted the transfer came as a surprise, saying Cucurella had kept his decision to himself.

Now the Barcelona midfielder is already looking ahead to El Clasico. Olmo has warned his friend that Lamine Yamal will be targeting him when Real and Barça meet. For Cucurella, the step up to Madrid brings prestige – and a brutal new set of battles on the flanks.

Liverpool revive Thuram interest

Liverpool’s midfield rebuild might not be finished either. Corriere dello Sport report that Khephren Thuram is back on the club’s list at Juventus.

The Italian side need to raise funds and are prepared to cash in on some of their assets. Thuram, rated between £35m and £39m, is one of those who could go.

He has also been linked with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, but the Frenchman is understood to be cool on a move to the Middle East. That stance hands European clubs, including Liverpool, a clear opening.

Spurs bulk up under De Zerbi

Tottenham’s strategy under Roberto De Zerbi is taking shape: power through the middle, youth with resale value, and depth.

Spurs have entered the race for 17-year-old Anderlecht midfielder Nathan de Cat, according to TeamTalk. Manchester United are already tracking the teenager, but Tottenham have now “inserted themselves” into the chase.

They are backing that interest with action. Andrew Robertson and Marco Senesi have arrived on free transfers, while Jan Paul van Hecke has joined in a £52m move from Brighton. With Van de Ven already in place, the spine in north London is being rebuilt with intent.

Leipzig watch Barry as Everton ponder sale

Everton, still walking a financial tightrope, may be forced into another difficult call. The Liverpool Echo report that the club could be willing to part with striker Thierno Barry.

Barry’s first season under David Moyes was uneven at first, but his confidence grew. Eight goals in 38 Premier League games is a solid return for a debut campaign and has drawn the attention of RB Leipzig, according to the Times.

No formal bid has arrived yet. If it does, Everton’s hierarchy will have a decision to make: cash in on a forward with upside, or hold on and hope his value climbs further.

Arsenal line up Barcola move

Arsenal’s ambition in the market is not limited to prospects. The Independent report that the club are preparing a major bid for Bradley Barcola, fresh from scoring his first World Cup goal for France in their 3-1 win over Senegal.

The 23-year-old arrives at this window off the back of another Champions League-winning campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal are said to be going through the “necessary details” before submitting an official offer for the attacking midfielder.

If they push ahead, it would be another statement swing at the very top tier.

United turn to Baturina’s versatility

Manchester United’s search for midfield reinforcements has taken them to Serie A and to Como’s Martin Baturina.

Sky Sport in Italy report that the Croatia international is on United’s radar after his eye-catching equaliser against England at the World Cup. In his first season under Cesc Fabregas at Como, Baturina produced six goals and three assists in 29 league games.

The numbers tell only part of the story. Fabregas used him everywhere: false nine, left wing, attacking midfielder, deeper playmaker. That flexibility is exactly what top clubs crave in a long season.

As Europe’s giants shuffle their packs, one question hangs over this window: who will move early and decisively, and who will be left scrambling once the first big domino finally falls?